Eugenio Derbez's 'Instructions Not Included' Scores at Box Office

Eugenio Derbez has scored the biggest box office of his career.

His directional debut, "Instructions Not Included," opened with $7.5 million and placed No. 5 at the box office. The film, which debuted at 347 theaters, had an average intake of $21,614 per theater and beat all films currently playing in theaters in that particular figure.

The movie, which was released by Lionsgate and Pantelion, was also the biggest film for the company's sidebar. Pantelion has previously released "Girl in Progress," "Saving Private Perez," and "Casa de Mi Padre."

"Instructions Not Included" premiered in the U.S. and scored mixed reviews. Annlee Ellingson from the Los Angeles Times gave the movie three stars out of five and stated: "There's a lot of movie here with unexpected developments, held together by the irresistible chemistry between Derbez and his adorable pint-sized co-star."

Bill Goodykoontz of the Arizona Republic also enjoyed the movie. "'Instructions Not Included' is a sweet little movie that is more than it seems to be."

However, Variety disliked the movie. "This sporadically amusing but unduly protracted dramedy devolves into a shameless tearjerker in its third act."

Cinemalogue's Todd Joregenson agreed with Variety and wrote: "It doesn't transition smoothly between comedy and drama, and the constant mugging of Derbez becomes as tiresome as his character's lack of common sense."

Debrez was recently seen in "Jack and Jill" and "Under the Same Moon." He has also voiced the Donkey in the Spanish version of "Shrek" and created the series "La Familia P. Luche."

"Instructions Not Included" is set to expand into more theaters next week.